The Ultimate Guide For Your Visit to Vila Olímpia in São Paulo
Vila Olímpia is a top choice for young people moving to this metropolis or it’s your first-time visit to São Paulo. It has many offices and great job opportunities to accelerate your career. By night, choose from the many restaurants, bars, and clubs. This unique combination has transformed the neighborhood into the perfect choice for business travelers or just for a weekend getaway. Discover must-see attractions and the best things to do in Vila Olímpia in our ultimate guide.
Facts about Vila Olímpia
100 years ago, Vila Olímpia was more of a rural area than an urban one and it was mainly inhabited by immigrants from Italy and Portugal. Nowadays, it’s a modern neighborhood that includes one of the tallest buildings in São Paulo: the E-Tower, which is 140 meters high and has 39 floors. Its postmodern architecture was inspired by the Westend Tower in Frankfurt, Germany.
Skyscrapers like this are a common scene in Vila Olímpia, a neighborhood packed with corporate offices and large shopping malls. It is located on the west side of the capital and the main roads that run through Vila Olímpia are Hélio Pellegrino, Faria Lima, and Juscelino Kubitscheck Avenues, in addition to Marginal Pinheiros.
Best restaurants in Vila Olímpia
São Paulo is famous for its high-quality restaurants and it couldn’t be different in this neighborhood. Here you can find the best places to eat in for every occasion: from a quick lunch break to sophisticated spaces for a special date.
Start your day at the bakeries and cafes on Hélio Pellegrino Avenue. Our suggestion is to visit Frutaria São Paulo. This place is beautifully adorned with plants, creating a relaxed vibe to go with your slow morning. Their healthy menu is packed with organic food, ranging from fresh fruits and juices to coconut water and light sandwiches.
After that, for a delicious lunch, enjoy the Mediterranean food of Restaurante Chiado, which is located nearby in the Moema neighborhood. Chic decor and Portuguese cuisine offer a great experience for food lovers. Try their excellent wines too!
If you’re planning something special for dinner, there’re plenty of good options in the area. For a classic Italian experience, we recommend Restaurante Muza. If you are looking for a more sophisticated experience, the French cuisine of Chez Claude is one of the best options. Meat lovers will certainly appreciate the juicy meat dishes and exotic cocktails of Cozinha 212. All these places are just a 15 minutes car ride away.
What to do in Vila Olímpia
In Vila Olímpia, you’ll find Teatro Santander, a modern fully equipped space perfect to host corporate events but also artistic performances. This theater is within walking distance of JK Iguatemi shopping mall.
Another mall nearby, Shopping Vila Olímpia, also has its own theater. Theatro Net has a great sound system and comfortable chairs and it exhibits famous musicals that cater for adults and children alike.
If you’re looking for an artistic experience during your stay, we encourage you to visit the Modern Art Museum (MAM) and the Contemporary Art Museum (MAC). Among the best art museums in the city, both MAM and MAC are located inside Ibirapuera Park. This famous park is just a 15 minutes car ride away from Vila Olímpia.
After exploring all the attractions the neighborhood has to offer, you can try something different. Escape 60 is an escape room game where you can feel like a detective looking for clues to solve a mystery. This immersive indoor experience might be fun if played with children or a group of friends.
As a bohemian neighborhood, Vila Olímpia also has great bars, such as Santa Julia and Tatu Bola. In addition to some of the best clubs in the city, with options that vary from electronic music to “sertanejo”, the Brazilian country music. Vila Olímpia will be your perfect choice for nightlife as soon as we are able to dance together again.
Parks to visit in Vila Olímpia
Vila Olímpia is well located between two great parks. Ibirapuera Park is a must-see in São Paulo with a huge green area, with soccer fields and cycling lanes to practice sports. After exploring its art museums and cycling around the park, take a break at Restaurante Vista Ibirapuera. This place offers the perfect combination to relax: a delicious meal and panoramic views of the city.
To escape the crowds of Ibirapuera Park, we recommend Parque do Povo (People’s Park). This is a great place to have a picnic in nature, while admiring the skyscrapers of São Paulo. The park is also perfect for your yoga class or for a relaxing walk.
Where to go shopping in Vila Olímpia
One of São Paulo’s best shopping malls is located in Vila Olímpia. JK Iguatemi has international designer stores where you can enjoy the perfect luxury shopping experience. Fun fact: the Italian brand Gucci has opened its first men’s wear store in the entire American continent right here in JK Iguatemi!
Another great shopping mall in the neighborhood is Shopping Vila Olímpia, a local’s favorite place to relax on the weekends. Enjoy its great stores, varied restaurant options, and movies.
How to get around in Vila Olímpia
It’s very simple to get around by bicycle. You’ll find long cycle lanes and many stores for bicycle rental as well. Get your bike and get ready to explore Vila Olímpia and Itaim Bibi neighborhoods.
Transportation apps, such as Uber and 99, are also a great option if you prefer a more comfortable way to get around Vila Olímpia.
Where to stay in Vila Olímpia
Such a versatile neighborhood certainly demands a versatile stay that attends business trips and leisure activities. Check Casai’s suggestions on where to stay in Vila Olímpia:
1. Nery Classic Suite
Classic and chic design combined with smart home technology and a great location near Juscelino Kubitschek Avenue.
2. Zamor Spacious Suite
A spacious apartment to make your stay more comfortable. Enjoy your fully equipped kitchen, top-quality linens, and high-speed WiFi.
3. Di Cavalcanti Chic Condo
A cozy space for short or long stays. Take a moment to enjoy the panoramic views while appreciating the craft beer we have prepared especially for you.
4. Zanini Stylish Suite
Get ready for a comfortable stay in São Paulo. A fully furnished apartment which will satisfy all your needs, there’s even a pool and gym in the building.
5. Mandarino Modern Suite
Stay in this modern apartment with the ultimate smart home technology. Count on high-speed WiFi, Chromecast, Google Home, and Smart Lock for a keyless check-in.
